Thanks to The FA, McDonalds, Strikes and Birmingham FA, a brand new team has been born from a unique football coaching initiative!
The volcano eruption on the Caribbean island of Montserrat forced around 8,000 people to leave the island 6 years ago. Many settled in the second city and have been given help and support by the Montserratian and Friends Organisation in Birmingham (MFOB).
Birmingham FA was asked by MFOB to assist with football development initiatives that were two-fold. Firstly to give individuals a link into the community, providing activities to encourage and inspire them and secondly to ensure that talented players who have the potential to make it into the Montserrat International team are spotted and supported.
Birmingham City Council's Strikes scheme has been providing regular coaching, but the team were given a huge boost when McDonalds and The FA stepped in to offer their assistance.
As the FA's Community Partner, McDonalds have provided footballs, bibs and markers, whilst the International Department of The Football Association donated a set of ex-England kit for the squad.
Around 20 young footballers regularly attend coaching sessions at Holte School. The line-up already includes one member of the Montserrat National team (Marcelin Castle), whilst others have only recently taken up the game.
Birmingham FA has ensured that MFOB FC is now ready for action by providing honorary affiliation, allowing the team to compete against others in the region.
"The scheme offers so much more than just football coaching. Birmingham FA, the Coaches and players are extremely grateful that The FA and McDonalds have been this generous with their support. Their donations will be of real help to everyone involved," said Birmingham FA Secretary, Dave Shelton.
TRAINING SESSIONS ARE OPEN TO ANYONE – WHETHER FROM MONTSERRAT OR NOT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT WILLIAM RILEY ON 0121 341 7318.
Referee Courses: LATEST NEWS
Are you one of those people who spend the weekend shouting at the Referee on your TV? Do you think you could do better?
That's the challenge being offered by Warley and Sutton Referees Associations who start new referee training courses over the next few weeks.
Courses kick off at Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club, Rectory Road on Monday 24th February for 10 weeks, or Blackheath Conservative Club on 25th March for 12 weeks. Both take place from 7.30pm-9.30pm
Anyone over the age of 14 can get involved in refereeing, with many ex-players taking up the whistle. It's a great way to stay involved in football even after playing days are over. Match officials are finding they have the chance to progress and benefit from some terrific opportunities on offer.
Registration costs just £10 so to find out how you can take part, call Terry Johnson on 0121 373 0258 (Sutton RA), Dave Tolley on 0121 550 5157 (Warley RA), or Birmingham County FA on 0121 357 4278.
Football Foundation Launches Small Grant Scheme
(5.2.03)
In response to requests and feedback from football clubs and small voluntary community organisations, the Football Foundation is pleased to announce a new Small Grants Scheme (SGS).
The aim of this scheme is to encourage applications to "skill up" the football workforce by promoting coach education, volunteering programmes and creating opportunities along with an equipment grant, which will enhance the Junior Kit Scheme.
Under the SGS, funding (of up to 90%) is available for projects with costs less than £10,000. The Foundation is keen to encourage applications from the smallest football club to community and youth organisations. The ensure they achieve this, organisations whose income is less than £15,000 per anum and who are supporting young people aged under 25 years will be a priority for funding.
CRITERIA:
Projects must be for the benefit of young people under 25, with the exception of disability projects
Applicant groups should be FA Charter Standard or commited to working towards the principles of The FA Charter Standard within 12 months of receiving a Foundation award.
Applicants must not have received Football Foundation funding in the last 3 years, with the exception of a Junior Kit Scheme grant.
Any group awarded a SGS cannot receive another SGS or JKS grant for 3 years
All groups working with young people under 18 must have child protection policies and procedures in place.
All groups must have a constitution.
Applicant groups must have their own bank account.
Applications are logged and assessed within the Football Foundation - applicants will be notified of the result within 6-8 weeks.
For an application form and information on constitutions contact:
The Football Foundation: 0800 02 777 66
enquiries@footballfoundation.org.uk
www.footballfoundation.org.uk
For information on the FA Charter Standard:
The Football Association: 0207 745 4545
info@thefa.com
www.thefa.com.